About this ebook
Excerpt: "Arabella was the first at the farm to become aware of Mr. Teesdale's return from Melbourne. She was reading in the parlour, with her plump elbows planted upon the faded green table-cloth, and an untidy head of light-coloured hair between her hands; looking up from her book by chance, she saw through the closed window her father and the buggy climbing the hill at the old mare's own pace. Arabella went on reading until the buggy had drawn up within a few feet of the verandah posts and a few more of the parlour window. Then she sat in doubt, with her finger on the place; but before it appeared absolutely necessary to jump up and run out, one of the men had come up to take charge of the mare, an Arabella was enabled to remove her finger and read on. The parlour was neither very large nor at all lofty, and the shut window and fire-place closely covered by a green gauze screen, to keep the flies out, made it disagreeably stuffy. There were two doors, but both of these were shut also, though the one at the far end of the room, facing the hearth, nearly always stood wide open. It led down a step into a very little room where the guns were kept and old newspapers thrown, and where somebody was whistling rather sweetly as the other door opened and Mr. Teesdale entered, buggy-whip in hand."
Excerpt: "Arabella was the first at the farm to become aware of Mr. Teesdale's return from Melbourne. She was reading in the parlour, with her plump elbows planted upon the faded green table-cloth, and an untidy head of light-coloured hair between her hands; looking up from her book by chance, sh...
Discover more
About the author
Ernest William Hornung, born on June 7, 1866, in Middlesbrough, England, is best remembered for his creation of the gentleman thief, A.J. Raffles. Hornung's literary career is marked by his innovative twist on the crime genre, where he inverted the traditional detective story by making his protagonist a charming and morally ambiguous criminal. This subversive approach not only captivated readers but also influenced contemporary writers, including his brother-in-law, Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes.Hornung's life was as adventurous as his fiction. He spent significant time in Australia, which profoundly influenced his writing and provided a rich backdrop for many of his stories. His experiences Down Under lent authenticity and vibrancy to his narratives, setting him apart from his peers.A notable controversy in Hornung's career was the ethical ambiguity of his hero, Raffles. At a time when literature often depicted clear moral dichotomies, Hornung's character blurred the lines between right and wrong, challenging readers to reconsider their perceptions of morality and justice.Hornung's influence extended beyond his lifetime, as his works paved the way for the anti-heroes and complex characters that populate modern literature. His exploration of themes such as loyalty, honor, and the duality of human nature resonates with contemporary audiences, making his contributions to literature both timeless and revolutionary.E.W. Hornung's legacy is one of daring innovation and profound impact, ensuring his place in the annals of literary history.
Ernest William Hornung, born on June 7, 1866, in Middlesbrough, England, is best remembered for his creation of the gentleman thief, A.J. Raffles. Hornung's literary career is marked by his innovative twist on the crime genre, where he inverted the traditional detective story by making his protag...
Rate this ebook
Tell us what you think.
Reading information
Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.
